South East Alaska Shipwrecks ( A )

A C C #50 (1944)     The 7 ton 32 foot wooden scow A C C #50 was consumed by fire February of 1944 in Lynn Canal.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 10 N 134 58 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: Tonnage 7 Gross and Net, Length 32.1, Breadth 10.1, Depth 2.4, Built 1925 at Houghton WA, Owner William L Paul, Registered Juneau, ON 169148

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1945) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 774, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1944) Pg 349

A E C 41-28 (1973)     The 939 ton barge A E C 41-28 foundered August 5, 1973 between Galankin and Katz Islands near Sitka.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 01 50 N 135 19 W   Chart 17326

Additional Information: Tonnage 939 Gross and Net, Built 1944, ON 261729

Source: Merchant Vessels of the U S (1974) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1635

 

A P A-S-10 (1956)     The 95 ton 72 foot steel scow A P A-S-10 stranded and was lost September 11,1956 in the Spanish Islands of Sumner Strait at Lat. 55 59.2 N Long. 134 05.6 W.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 59 12 N 134 05 36 W   Chart 17400

Additional Information: Tonnage 95 Gross and Net, Length 72.1, Breadth 24.5, Depth 5.7, Built 1949 at Bellingham WA, Owner Alaska Packers Association, Registered Juneau, ON 257429

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1956) Pg 12, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1957) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 755

 

ABERDEEN (1923)     On Wednesday, August 8, 1923, at 3:45 p.m., the American 58 foot gas screw fishing vessel Aberdeen burned and became a total loss on the north end of Gravina Island.  The vessel was captained by A G Burton of Ketchikan, where it had departed the same day bound for Clarence Straits with four other crewmen and no cargo.  The fire, which is supposed to have started from an exhaust pipe, could not be put out with the extinguisher aboard the vessel.  The casualty was reported by the vessel’s master at Collection District 31, Ketchikan, on August 9th.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 25 N 131 50 W   Chart 17428

Additional Information: Tonnage 42 Gross 29 Net, Length 58.1, Breadth 15.5, Depth 6.8, Built 1920 at Tacoma WA, IHP 75,  Registration Seattle, ON 220357, Construction Wood, Owner Peter Andrijasavich of Aberdeen, Washington, Estimated vessel value $11,000, Vessel Insurance $11,000.

Source: U.S. Customs Wreck Report Collection District 31

 

ABUNDANCE (2013)     The 50 foot passenger and fishing vessel Abundance went adrift from the Chickamin River entrance, burned and sank in Behm Canal November 24, 2013. The vessel departed Craig a week before with owner Garrett Hagan (25) of Craig and Adrian Knopps (51) of Michigan bound for a hunting trip in the Chickamin River. On November 22, 2013 the vessel Wilderness Adventure spotted the unoccupied Abundance adrift in Behm Canal near Saks Cove and alerted the Coast Guard. A large search ensued and sometime later an MH-60 helicopter from Sitka Air Station spotted Knopps wandering aimlessly in the woods adjacent to the Chickamin River in a state of severe hypothermia. Knopps reported that Hagan had loaded their seven foot skiff with a bear skin from the hunt and departed a week earlier to take their bounty out to the Abundance anchored near the mouth of the Chickamin River. Garrett Hagan was never seen again. High winds and rain hindered the search for Hagan and likely contributed to the loss of the Abundance.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 55 45 N 131 08 40 W   Chart 17420

Additional Information: Tonnage 43 Gross 39 Net, Length 44.1, Breadth 17.4, Depth 9.6, Built 1978, ON 612832

Sources: 1. Alaska Dispatch (September 22, 2013) “Sitka Coast Guard rescues hypothermic hunter, one man still missing”, 2. USCG News Release (September 22&25, 2013), 3. USCG Marine Information Exchange

 

ACTIVE (1928)     At 5 am on July 24, 1928, the 40 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Active struck a submerged pile at Narrow Point, Prince of Wales Island, and beached.  She departed Ketchikan with two crewmen July 3rd under command of her owner, George P Marshal of Ketchikan, and was bound for Coronation Island.  The calm daylight conditions were no help. The vessel valued at $3,500 and cargo of 10 tons of fish valued at $2,079 became a total loss.  Assistance was rendered by the gas boat Chum who helped tie up the boat after it beached.  A wreck report was filed at Collection District 31, Port of Ketchikan on August 31 by the owner.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 47 N 132 28 W   Chart 17420

Additional Information: Tonnage 14 Gross 12 Net, Length 40.6, Breadth 11, Depth 3.8, Built 1911 at Kasaan, Horsepower 20, Registration Ketchikan, ON 208672, Vessel Insurance $2,500, Cargo Insurance none.

Sources: 1. U S Customs Wreck Report August 31, 1928 at Ketchikan by George P Marshal, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1928) Pgs 222-3

ACUSHLA (1919)     The 24 ton 44 foot gas screw fishing vessel Acushla burned in Peans Hole at Bucarelli Bay December 8, 1919.  The six persons aboard escaped to safety.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 13 N 133 32 W   Chart 17400

Additional Information: Tonnage 24 Gross 20 Net, Length 44, Breadth 13.5, Depth 5.5, IHP 23, Built 1915 at Seattle WA, Registered Seattle, ON 213408

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1921) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 454, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1918) Pg 184, 3. The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 312

ADA (1956)     The 13 ton 41 foot wooden oil screw Ada was consumed by fire September 17, 1956 in Gnat Cove, Carroll Inlet.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 23 N 131 19 40 W   Chart 17420

Additional Information: Tonnage 13 Gross 9 Net, Length 41.7, Breadth 9.6, Depth 4.7, Built 1930 at Ketchikan, Service freight, Horsepower 90, Owner Stanley G Cox, Registered Ketchikan, ON 230914

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1956) Pg 16, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1957) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 755

 

ADA MAY (1956)     The 10 ton 31 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Ada May stranded and was lost at Haines September 25, 1956.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   59 14 10 N 135 26 15 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: Tonnage 10 Gross 9 Net, Length 31.3, Breadth 9.4, Depth 4.4, Built 1924 at Ketchikan, Horsepower 103, Owner James Paddock, Registered Juneau, ON 223966

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1957) Pg 16, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1958) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 777

 

ADAK (1971)     The gas screw Adak foundered April 12, 1971 in the vicinity of Eliza Harbor, Admiralty Island.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 09 N 134 17 W   Chart 17320

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

ADMIRAL EVANS (1918)     On March 9, 1918 the 2,393 gross ton passenger steamship Admiral Evans struck a reef and was beached in Hawk Inlet.  “The 91 passengers aboard were removed and the salvage steamer Salvor called in to refloat the vessel.  A hole in her bottom had to be patched before she could be pumped out.  The Evans, built at Toledo, Ohio in 1901 went back to work and was finally scrapped in Japan in the 1930’s.”  This information is included in this compilation as some shipwreck lists put down this incident as a total loss, which it wasn’t.  There may also be evidence of this wreck on site and of interest.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 05 N 134 46 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: Tonnage 2,393, Built 1901, Master Captain Charles Glasscock, Owner Pacific Steamship Company, Destination P E Harris Cannery, ON 3904

Sources: 1. Peril at Sea (1986) pg 170, 2. The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 301, 3. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1918) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 437

ADMIRAL LAND (1989)     The 82 foot processor Admiral Land was consumed by an engine room fire and sank March 18, 1989 in Sumner Strait.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 32 N 132 36 W   Chart 17360

Additional Information: ON 242584

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

ADVANCE (1947)     The 17 ton 40 foot wooden gas screw Advance was consumed by fire October 6, 1947 between Rosa Reef and Channel Island, on the beach at Gravina Island.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 26 48 N 131 52 45 W   Charts 17420, 17428

Additional Information: Tonnage 17 Gross 12 Net, Length 40, Breadth 12.2, Depth 4.2, Built 1908 at Seattle WA, Former names Advance and Hippo (British), Horsepower 20, Owner W S Balcom, Registered Ketchikan, ON 205756

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1947) Pg 7, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1948) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 860

ADVENTURE (1899)     At 12:30 a.m. Monday November 27, 1899 the 37 foot American wood schooner Adventure drifted to shore and was lost at Point Arden off Admiralty Island.  A hole seven feet long was torn in the port side of the vessel when she grounded. A very dark night, heavy swells, and no wind to keep her off shore were listed as contributing to her demise.  The crew attempted to set anchors but no holding ground could be found.  Her cargo consisted of three tons of provisions and stores, nets and tackle valued at $200, only a small portion of which was saved.  The vessel’s value was listed at $300 and was considered a total loss. Three men and a woman on board were able to make shore and survive the disaster.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 09 30 N 134 10 30 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: Tonnage 12, Built 1886 Seattle, Registration Juneau, ON 106459, Length 37.4, Breadth 12.3, Depth 3.5, Master Chas. A Joyce of Seattle, Owner Leonora Joyce of Seattle, Last Port Juneau November 26th, Destination Wrangell Straits, Insurance none, Crew 3.

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report by Charles A Joyce

AENA (1967)     The gas screw Aena burned September 4, 1967 at Southwest Cove on Etolin Island.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 04 30 N 132 08 30 W   Chart 17360

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

AFOGNAK (1946)     The beam trawler Afognak went hard aground on the beach punching two holes in her bow December 23, 1946 two miles north of Point Gardner.  The mail boat Yakobi spotted the signal light of the Afognak and rescued the skipper and his wife along with six crewmembers and their belongings.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 01 N 134 37 W   Chart 17320

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

AGNES (1933)     The 9 ton 36 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Agnes foundered August 24, 1933 at Todd.  The four aboard made it to safety.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 27 40 N 135 02 30 W   Chart 17320

Comment: Todd was a small settlement in Lindenburg Harbor, Peril Strait. WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 9 Gross 7 Net, Length 36.7, Breadth 11, Depth 2.9, Built 1919 at Hoonah, Horsepower 16, Owner James Grant of Hoonah, Registered Juneau, ON 219653

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1934) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1006, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1932) Pgs 202-3, 3. Dictionary of Alaska Place Names (1967) Pg 578 “Lindenberg Harbor”

AGNES (1942)     The 10 ton 33 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Agnes burned at Brothers Island in Frederick Sound September 21, 1942.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 18 N 133 50 W   Chart 17360

Additional Information: Tonnage 10 Gross 8 Net, Length 33.6, Breadth 9.4, Depth 4.6, Built 1925 at Hoodsport WA, Horsepower 95, Crew 3, Owner Frank Wooten, Registered Petersburg, ON 224453

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1943) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 753, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1942) Pg 71

AGNES ANN (1936)     Friday at 1:00 pm on the 29th of October 1936, the 31 foot gas screw Agnes Ann caught fire at Escape Point in Behm Canal and became a total loss.  She had departed Ketchikan on October 27th captained by J B Jackson assisted by one other crewman and expected to return to Ketchikan in due course.  The estimated value of the vessel at the time of her loss was $3,000, which was fully covered by insurance.  She was carrying no cargo, but was towing logs.  The following is a description of the accident by her master found in the wreck report filed by him at Collection District 31, Ketchikan on November 2nd:

“When abreast of Escape Point with tow of logs something went wrong with the engine allowing it to race and cause a lot of vibration before I could shut off the engine.  I immediately stepped on deck and tried to attract the attention of a vessel that had just passed going in the opposite direction.  I fired several shots from a shotgun and the deckhand waved a slicker coat, but failed to attract attention.  When on returning to wheel house found flames pouring up from engine room making it impossible to go below.  Took all possible measures to save ship.  Applied fire extinguisher through skylight.”

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 39 N 131 43 W   Chart 17420

Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Gross 5 Net, Length 31.1, Breadth 8.9, Depth 4.1, IHP 40, Built 1927 at Seattle WA, Registration Ketchikan, ON 226489, Owner Mrs. Harry Benolkin.

Source: 1. U S Customs Wreck Report November 2, 1936 by J B Jackson at Ketchikan, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1936), Pgs 190-1

AGNES W (1916)     The 8 ton 37 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Agnes W was crushed by ice and lost in Lynn Canal August 16, 1916.  The 5 crewmen aboard made it to safety.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 10 N 134 58 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Gross 5 Net, Length 37.8, Breadth 10.9, Depth 3.9, Built 1905 at Ballard WA, Registered Port Townsend WA, ON 202173

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1918) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 439, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1916) Pg 191

AJAX (1980)     The fishing tender Ajax grounded and was lost May 15, 1980 on Tongass Rock just north of Tongass Island.  All six crewmembers were rescued by the U S Coast Guard cutter Cape Romain.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   54 47 N 130 44 W   Chart 17420

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

AKSALA (1925)     At 10:50 on the morning of Tuesday August 11, 1925 the American gas screw Aksala caught fire from an overheated stove and became a total loss.  She had departed Skowl Arm that day captained by Clyde Jackson of Ketchikan and was abandoned in Skowl Passage inside Skowl Island by Jackson and his crew of four.  They had attempted to douse the flames with fire extinguishers and water but were unable to get it under control.  They beached the vessel and sought safety.  There was no cargo aboard, but the estimated value of the vessel at the time of the loss was $4,000 of which only $3,000 was insured.  A wreck report was filed at Collection District 32, Ketchikan, by one S.T. Harrington the treasurer for the owner, Straits Packing Company of Seattle.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 25 N 132 16 W   Chart 17420, 17426

Comments: H W McCurdy has this wreck listed in 1920. WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 13 Net, Age 8 years, Registration Ketchikan, ON 214829, Destination Island Point, S.E. Island.

Sources: 1. US Customs Wreck Report 2. The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 313

AKSALA (1955)     The 8 ton 31 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Aksala foundered August 23, 1955 in Natkwa (Nutkwa) Inlet.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 02 N 132 36 W   Chart 17420

Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Gross 5 Net, Length 31.3, Breadth 8.9, Depth 3.8, Built 1919 at Seattle, Horsepower 18, SL WE2406, Owner Louise Arrington, Registered Ketchikan, ON 238817

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1956) Pg 19, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1957) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 755

 

AKWE (1957)     The 15 ton 36 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Akwe collided with an iceberg in Stephens Passage and was lost September 17, 1957.  The disaster occurred 60 miles south of Juneau, 3 miles south of Midway Island and 3 miles west of Coke Point.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 47 35 N 133 46 45 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: Tonnage 15 Gross 10 Net, Length 36.2, Breadth 11.3, Depth 5.8, Built 1939 at Seattle, Horsepower 105, SL WA2096, Owner Harold E Fredrickson, Registered Seattle, ON 238830

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1957) Pg 19, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1958) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 777

 

AL (1922)     On a calm cloudy November 24, 1922 the American wood boat Al experienced a gasoline explosion and caught fire south of Dixons Entrance at North Dundas and became a total loss.  She had departed Seattle April 22 captained by her owner, John Wilson of Seattle. In addition to her Captain, there was one crewman aboard as the Al headed for Alaska.  At the time of the accident the vessel had no cargo and was valued at $1,200.  Assistance was rendered by the launch Ralph, who picked up the two aboard.  A wreck report was filed at Collection District 30, Seattle on December 1, 1922 by her owner.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska (B.C.) 54 35 N 130 45 W

Additional Information: Tonnage 6 Gross 5 Net, Registration Seattle, ON 218325, Insurance none.

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report

AL (1954)     The 35 foot wooden gasoline powered troller Al was reported missing July 3, 1954 with her owner Carl J. Johnson the only person aboard. The vessel departed Sitka June 28 for Maid Island for what was supposed to be a six day trip. An extensive search, some of which was paid for by contributions from the Sitka Trolling fleet, was conducted with no success. Carl Johnson worked with Vita Food Products of Sitka and was home ported in Friday Harbor, Washington.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 50 10 N 135 27 45 W   Chart 17326

Comment: Some reports spell the name as A-1. WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Gross 5 Net, Length 31.5, Breadth 9.5, Depth 4.4, Built 1918 Seattle, ON 248182, HP 85, SL no radio

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1952) Pg 10, 2. The Seattle Times (July 18, 1954) “Friday Harbor Boat Missing In Sitka Area” Pg 59, 3. Alaska Shipwreck website (October 2, 2017) letter from family member with attachments

 

AL-KI (1917)     The Al-Ki, one of the most famous steamers of the Alaska gold rush era, was lost on November 1, 1917 at Point Augusta, 26 miles southwest of Juneau.  She had first gained fame in 1897 as the first scheduled vessel to leave the Seattle waterfront after the arrival of the Portland from the Klondike goldfields with “A Ton of Gold”, thus beginning the Klondike Gold Rush.  The following are a few of the peaks and valleys of the Al-Ki’s illustrious career:

“The new steamer Al-Ki, for the coal trade, has been completed at Bath, Maine and will soon sail from New York for San Francisco, passing through the Straits of Magellan.  She is 201 feet long, 22 feet 7 inches breadth of beam, and 16 feet depth of hold.  The saloon is handsomely finished and she possesses stateroom accommodations for 50 passengers.”…West Shore, X(1884) Pg 222

“…the Pacific Coast Steamship Company’s Al-Ki, advertised to leave the Oregon Improvement Company Wharf at 9 a.m. on July 18 (1897), for Juneau, Douglas, Wrangell, Skagway, and Dyea.  A rush of last minute freight and passengers delayed her sailing until 5 p.m.  She was crowded to full passenger capacity, with more passengers already booked and waiting for arrival at Port Townsend and Victoria.  In addition to her regular cargo, she was laden with 350 tons of miners’ supplies, 900 sheep, 65 head of cattle and 50 horses, all in a small wooden steamer of 1200 gross tons.” H W McCurdy Pg 13

“The October (1897) the United States Customs agents at Seattle were moved by complaints of Alaskans that northbound ships were carrying “too much whiskey and not enough food” to carry out the first really thorough inspection of a ship’s cargo ever made at that port.  Barrels, boxes, and cans in the holds of the Pacific Coast Steamship Company’s Al-Ki, scheduled to sail October 2, were opened and a full wagonload of undeclared whiskey, brandy and wine found in containers marked “sugar”, “coffee”, “oatmeal”, “kerosene”, “etc”. H W McCurdy Pg 18

“The noted old Alaska steamer Al-Ki, laid up at Eagle Harbor in October, 1909 following her final voyage from the north in Pacific Coast Steamship Co. service, had been destined for reduction to a barge, but was sold, instead to Capt. Wallace Langley, who planned to enter her under British registry for service between Vancouver and Portland Canal ports.  In June, libels totaling $10,388 were filed against the veteran steamer as she lay at Eagle Harbor and she was sold to Struve and Bollong of Seattle.  The wooden vessel of 1,259 tons, 200 feet in length, was built at Bath, ME in 1884, her 600 horsepower compound engine giving her a speed of about 8 knots.  Surprisingly, when she was refitted with oil burners and given a new wheel, her commander, Capt. J.E. Guptill, found her capable of doing 11 knots, a speed which she had not attained in the memory of man.  Equally amazed Alaskans, who had followed her plodding progress for years, bestowed upon her the title of “the Sitka Flyer”. (H W McCurdy Pg 184)

When the Al-Ki stranded at Point Augusta the 1st of November, 1917, a bizarre series of events brought her back into public notice, the particulars of which add a feeling of true legend to her already colorful history.  When the Al-Ki stranded, the crew was picked up by the steamer Mariposa.  Soon after the vessel left the scene, another vessel, the halibut steamer Manhattan, came upon the wreck and took it upon themselves to claim anything of use or value as their own.  Unfortunately the Manhattan herself ran into trouble a few days later, and her crew was forced to abandon ship coincidentally onto the same vessel, Mariposa, that had taken in the crew of the Al-Ki.  The Manhattan’s crew were taken to Juneau and promptly arrested for looting the Al-Ki.  In a final twist of fate, the Mariposa which had brought in the crews from both lost vessels, struck a reef and was lost on the next voyage.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 02 N 134 57 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: See Manhattan, Mariposa

Sources: 1. Shipwreck of the Alaskan Shelf and Shore (1992) Pgs 36-7 2. The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pgs 13, 18, 184, 293.

ALAMENT (1989)     The 40 foot troller Alament caught fire, grounded and sank January 10, 1989 at Big Gavanski Island near Sitka.  The master of the vessel, Paul Pearson (49) was the only one on board and was lost in the disaster.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 08 N 135 25 30 W   Chart 17320

Sources: 1. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011), 2. Sitka Daily Sentinel (January 4, 1989) “Coast Guard Continues Search for Fisherman” Pg 1

 

ALANNAH (1947)     The 41 ton 51 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Alannah stranded and was lost October 18, 1947 off Cape Fox Island in Dixon Entrance.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   54 45 50 N 130 51 W   Chart 17420

Additional Information: Tonnage 41 Gross 32 Net, Length 51.1, Breadth 16.1, Depth 7.1, Built 1945 at Sitka, Horsepower 80, SL AXBE, Owner Fred E Brandes Jr., Registered Sitka, ON 248933

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1948) Pg 8, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1949) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 909

ALASCO 3 (1955)     The 22 ton 47 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Alasco 3 stranded and was lost July 17, 1955 at Deer Harbor, Alaska.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 56 30 N   136 33 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: Tonnage 22 Gross 8 Net, Length 46.9, Breadth 14.1, Depth 5.1, Built 1918 at Sausalito CA, Horsepower 112, Owner John A Hull, Registered Sitka, ON 217006

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1955) Pg 20, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1956) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 742

 

ALASKA (1898)     In January of 1898 the small steamer Alaska, which had been “operating as a ferry between Wrangell and the Stikine River”, struck a rock and became a total loss.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 40 N 132 20 W   Chart 17360

Source: The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 40

ALASKA (1929)     On Saturday November 9, 1929 the rotted hull of the wood steamer Alaska was towed three miles south of Wrangell to Zimovia Strait and at 2:00 p.m. was abandoned.  The vessel’s owner, Wilson and Sylvester Mill Co. Inc., considered the vessel to have lost all value.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 25 N 132 23 W   Chart 17360

Additional Information: Tonnage 53 gross 39 net, Built 1916, Registration Wrangell, ON 213960

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report

ALASKA CHIEF (1938)     At 6:30 on the morning of March 28, 1938, the wooden gas screw cannery tender Alaska Chief exploded and foundered off N.E. Grindall Island with the loss of four of her five crewmen.  The following is an accounting of the tragedy from the wreck report filed at Ketchikan on April 5 by her Master and only survivor, Frank Ford:

“Left Kassan at 5:00 a.m. bound for Ketchikan.  At about 6:20 a.m. I went into the engine room of the vessel to oil up at which time all was well.  After oiling the engine I went on the afterdeck to pump bilges by hand when suddenly an explosion occurred in the engine room and the vessel immediately began to sink. Delaman was on deck and after the explosion I could not see him and he must have gone overboard.  McCue did not reach the shore and Hatch died after regaining the beach.”

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 27 N 132 08 W   Chart 17360

Additional Information: Tonnage 16 Gross 10 Net, Age 31 years, Registration Seattle, ON 204302, Owner Pacific American Fisheries, Crew Lost A.A. McCue A.C. Delaman Earl Hatch Henry Andrews, Weather NW wind choppy sea.

Sources: 1. U S Customs Wreck Report 2. The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 466

ALASKAN (1936)     At 8:00 p.m. on Saturday February 29, 1936 the American gas screw Alaskan foundered “about two miles north of Slocum Inlet, Stephens Passage, in about 115 fathoms of water.”  According to her master and owner, Arthur J. Lagasa of Juneau “…the line shaft carried away just forward of the tail shaft coupling allowing tail shaft to slip back out of stuffing box and stern bearing permitting water to enter.  Unable to pull tail shaft back in again due to sleeves being outside of shaft.”

“Choppy seas would spin wheel which would force caulking from around the shaft.  Water finally got so high was unable to do anything more.”

“Took Alaskan about 8 hours to sink during all of which time efforts were made by myself to keep her afloat until help could arrive.  Coast Guard Cutter Talapoosa went out to make search at scene of foundering about 1:30 a.m. Sunday March 1, 1936, and continued search until about 3:00 p.m. Sunday afternoon, without success of locating vessel.”

“Vessel may tip over where sunk in such a manner that hatch cover might lift off and salvage gear be disenlodged, permitting vessel to raise of itself; such chances are small.”

“Attempted to beach Alaskan with small gas boat Nip&Tuck, without success.”

The Alaskan, her two crew, and cargo of diving equipment (salvage gear) departed from Hobart Bay, Frederick Sound, bound for Juneau.  The weather during the incident is reported to have been “about 20 miles wind; choppy seas; clear water.”  Although the crew was saved, her three tons of cargo valued at $1,000 and the vessel valued at $5,000 were total losses.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 09 N 134 05 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: Tonnage 29 Gross 19 Net, Built 1912, Registration Juneau, ON 209643, Insurance none.

Sources: 1. U S Customs Wreck Report 2. The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 449

ALASKAN SPIRIT (1995)     The 28 foot sea cucumber urchin dive boat Alaskan Spirit flooded and sank December 12, 1995 in Stone Rock Bay.  All three persons aboard made it to safety.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   54 45 30 N 132 W   Chart 17420

Sources: 1. U S C G Shipwreck List (1989-2004), 2. Michael Burwell Shipwreck List (2013)

 

ALASKAN STAR (1995)     The 86 foot Joint Venture stern trawler Alaskan Star flooded, capsized and sank January 16, 1995 near Forrester Island in 1000 feet of water.  The loss was attributed to a catastrophic failure in the shaft alley/engine room space. Flooding occurred quickly and little time was available for the crew to get out a May-Day and abandon the rapidly flooding overturning vessel. Skipper Gary Hanson, engineer Robert Hicks, and deckhands Thomas Mallory and Paul Madsen abandoned ship in survival suits. Fortunately a nearby vessel heard their call and they were soon  picked up by the Pacific Alliance. Robert Hicks sustained an injury to his back while sliding down the overturning hull of the Alaskan Star. The U S Coast Guard Marine Safety Center analyzed the circumstances surrounding an engine room flooded from the shaft alley and concluded that this condition made the vessel vulnerable to capsizing.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   54 48 N 133 31 W   Chart 17400

Additional Information: ON 909394

Sources: 1. U S C G Shipwreck List (1989-2004), 2. Michael Burwell Shipwreck List (2013), 3. USCG MISLE Case #942379

 

ALBACORE (1974)     The gas screw Albacore burned June 1, 1974 at Pelican.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 57 30 N 136 13 30 W   Chart 17300

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

ALBATROSS (1926)     The gas screw Albatross caught fire and was destroyed on October 8, 1926 four miles NW of Ketchikan at the entrance to Wards Cove.  Captain and owner Harry W Benolkin and his single crewman escaped injury but the Albatross, valued at $5,000 was a total loss.  The fire was caused by an engine backfire around 4:00 p.m. and quickly spread.  The Helen H towed the Albatross to the beach in an attempt to have the fire extinguished by the Ketchikan Fire Department but the tide went out leaving the vessel high and dry where the fire department truck was unable to reach it.  The wood hulled vessel burned completely.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 23 30 N 131 44 30 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: Tonnage 21 Gross 14 Net, Built 1917, Registration Ketchikan, ON 215319, Last Port Ketchikan, Destination Ward Cove and return, Cargo none

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report filed at Ketchikan

ALBATROSS (1954)     The 8 ton 30 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Albatross was consumed by fire August 31, 1954 in Warren Channel between Warren Island and Cape Pole.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 57 25 N 133 49 W   Chart 17400

Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Gross 5 Net, Length 30.6, Breadth 9.4, Depth 4.8, Built 1928 at Tacoma WA, Horsepower 78, Owner Stanley G Cox, Registered Ketchikan, ON 227259

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1952) Pg 12, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1955) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 737

 

ALCO (1927)     At 2:30 on the afternoon of September 29, 1927 while fueling gasoline at the Standard Oil Dock at Juneau, the wooden gas screw Alco caught fire and burned.  The two crew and three passengers escaped, but the vessel, valued at $5,000 was a total loss.  According to the wreck report filed at Juneau on September 30, 1927 by her master, Peter Simpson of Sitka, the boat caught fire probably from exhaust while fueling.  “The Progress and Three Brothers towed Alco to nearest beach where vessel burned to the waterline.”

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 18 N 134 24.5 W   Chart 17315

Additional Information: Tonnage 15 Gross 10 Net, Built 1917, Registration Seattle, ON 214982, Owner Alaska Sanitary Package Company, Last Port Douglas September 29, Cargo none.

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report

ALDEBARAN (2007)     The fishing vessel Aldebaran struck Bold Island, flooded and sank in 79 fathoms of water August 17, 2007 approximately 10 miles south of Ketchikan.  A crewmember on wheel watch fell asleep precipitating the grounding. All five crewmembers abandoned ship to the fishing vessel Champion.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 15 N 131 25 W   Chart 17420

Additional Information: Length 54.5, Tonnage 54 Gross 43 Net, ON 279129, Call Sign WL7206

Sources: 1. U S Coast Guard Enforcement Report (August 17, 2007), 2. USCG MISLE Case #374572

 

ALERT (1914)     At 10:00 p.m. September 9, 1914, on a voyage from Juneau to Tyee, the American gas screw Alert broke a tail shaft and went on the rocks at Point Styleman, Snettisham Inlet.  The following are excerpts from the wreck report filed at Juneau on September 11, 1914 by the master of the vessel, Alfred Cramer of Tyee:

“Tail shaft broke causing vessel to go on rocks”

“S.E. wind strong; rough sea; dark.”

“Raised sail but tail shaft fouled rudder and we were unable to steer ; tried to tow but sea too rough; put over anchors but no bottom.”

“Owing to depth of water anchor did not catch and tide carried vessel to point where she pounded holes in hull and finally sunk after Alfred Cramer and Andrews Johnson, crew swam ashore.”

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 58 30 N 133 53 45 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: Tonnage 12 Net, Age 4 years, Registration Juneau, ON 207215, Owner Vendeyssel Packing Co. Seattle, Crew 2, Value $4,500, Loss total.

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report

ALERT (1915)     The 14 ton 56 foot gas screw passenger vessel Alert foundered October 31, 1915 near Point Aloa.  The six persons aboard made it to safety.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 11 30 N 131 11 W   Chart 17420

Comment: The 1916 Merchant Vessels Reported Lost puts this wreck at Point Aloa. I have charted the wreck at Point Alava. WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 14 Gross 9 Net, Length 56.5, Breadth 11.2, Depth 3.7, IHP 50, Built 1893 at Port Blakely WA, Registered Ketchikan, ON 107048

Sources:  1. The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 258, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1916) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 420, 3. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1915) Pg 200

ALERT (1956)     The 7 ton 35 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Alert stranded and was lost October 20, 1956 on the beach at Hydaburg.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 12 20 N 132 49 28 W   Chart 17400

Additional Information: Tonnage 7 Gross 5 Net, Length 35.4, Breadth 10, Depth 3.2, Built 1931 at Craig, Horsepower 110, Owner Paul Cogo, Registered Ketchikan, ON 235550

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1958) Pg 23, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1959) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 800

 

ALERT (1968)     The gas screw Alert stranded and was lost May 17, 1968 at Point Couverden.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 11 25 N 135 03 10 W   Chart 17300

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

ALEUT PRINCESS (2000)     The 70 foot wooden salmon tender Aleut Princess was consumed by fire August 25, 2000 at Angoon.  There was no loss of life.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 30 N 134 35 W   Chart 17320

Additional Information: ON 236663

Sources: 1. U S C G Shipwreck List (1989-2004), 2. Michael Burwell Shipwreck List (2013)

 

ALEUTIAN SALVOR (1974)     The 90 foot tug Aleutian Salvor was towing log rafts to Farragut Bay when her engine exploded and the vessel burned and sank July 1, 1974 northeast of Pinta Point near Kake.  All six crewmembers were rescued by the tug Kiowa.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 07 12 N 133 53 20 W   Chart 17360

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

ALFRED J BEACH (1898)     On July 4, 1898, while under tow of the steam schooner Noyo, on a trip from Vancouver to Saint Michael, the river steamer Alfred J Beach foundered 250 miles off of Dixons Entrance.  The passengers were taken to Saint Michael by the Noyo and some returned to Seattle aboard the Roanoke.  The steamer W H Evans is reported to have been traveling north with the other vessels.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   54 15 N 141 W

Additional Information: Owner Alaska Mutual Transportation and Mining Company, Last Port Vancouver June 21, 1898, Value $42,000 with cargo.

Source: The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 41

 

ALICE (1907)     At 2:40 a.m. on August 16, 1907, while on a fishing venture out of Petersburg, the wood steamer Alice struck a rock at Danger Point in Wrangell Narrows and sank with about 60,000 pounds of fish aboard.  The seven crewmen, captained by C W Call of Tacoma, were all able to make shore.  Fog is reported to have been the cause of the casualty.  The $8,000 vessel has since been raised and repaired with only minor damage except for the loss of her cargo of fish valued at $250.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 31 N 132 55 W   Chart 17360

Additional Information: Tonnage 55 Gross 27 Net, Built 1897 at  Tacoma, Registration Wrangel, ON 107327, Owner Pacific Coast and Narway Pkg Co of Petersburg, Length 61.6, Breadth 16.2. Depth 6.0

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report

ALICE (1914)     At 12:45 on January 31, 1914, while on a trip from Ketchikan to Fish Egg, the wooden gas halibut schooner Alice stranded on a rock in the dark during a strong westerly breeze and became a total loss.  Her master, A A Selig of Seattle, signaled for the engine full speed astern when he realized his proximity to the shore, but hit before the vessel responded.  An attempt was made to pull the vessel off but was unsuccessful, and the $9,000 Alice became a total loss.  Her 11 person crew made shore safely.  The casualty occurred at Cape Pole, Kosciusko Island, Sumner Strait.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 57 25 N 133 49 W   Chart 17400

Additional Information: Tonnage 29 Net, Age 10 years, Registration Port Townsend Washington, ON 200704, Owners E A and M L Simms of Port Townsend.

Sources: 1. U S Customs Wreck Report, 2. U S Coast and Geodedic Survey Special Publication No.50 “Safeguard the Gateways of Alaska” (1918) Pg 24

ALICE (1930)     At 10:00 a.m. on December 17, 1930, while anchored in the Karta River, an engine backfire caused the gas screw Alice to catch fire and burn.  According to the wreck report filed at Ketchikan December 23, 1930 by her owner and master Steve Selig of Ketchikan, he and a trapper by the name of Davis, both in skiffs, “attempted to tow the vessel to shore but were unable to do so and the vessel burnt to water’s edge in about one hour and sank in eight or nine fathoms of water.”

The vessel was valued at $10,000 with no cargo.  She was listed as having departed Ketchikan on December 13, 1930 bound for Karta Bay, with two persons aboard, and to have met her fate at the Karta River.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 34 N 132 34 W   Chart 17420

Additional Information: Tonnage 11 Gross 7 Net, Built 1921, Registration Ketchikan, ON 221275, Insurance $7,000, Cargo none

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report

ALICE (1931)     At 11:00 in the evening Tuesday July 21, 1931, the American gas screw Alice caught fire and was completely destroyed.  She left Ketchikan on July 20, 1931, with master and owner John G Young at the helm and one other crewman, on a trip to Port Alexander.  The following are excerpts from the wreck report filed by Young at Wrangell on July 22, 1931:

“Used up all our fire apparatus and used buckets to bail water from the sea”

“After working on the fire for about one-half hour we thought it out and began pumping the vessel when the man on watch looked into the engine room and said he thought there was still fire there.  The master then stuck his head in the hatchway and immediately there was an explosion in the engine room and both men were hurled to the deck and immediately the vessel was in flames.  We took to the dory and layed away from the vessel about 600 feet until she burned up and sank.”

The Alice (valued at $8,000) is reported to have burned eight miles south of Point Baker with no cargo on board.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 21 15 N 133 37 15 W   Chart 17360

Additional Information: Tonnage 27 Gross 21 Net, Built 1923 at Seattle WA, Registration Ketchikan, ON 222927, Insurance $6,000

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report

ALICE G II (1955)     The 7 ton 29 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Alice G II foundered November 10, 1955 in Young Bay on Admiralty Island.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 10 N 134 40 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: Tonnage 7 Gross 5 Net, Length 29.7, Breadth 8.6, Depth 4, Built 1919 at Wrangell, Horsepower 90, Owner Arnold Johnson, Registered Juneau, ON 234427

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1956) Pg 24, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1957) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 755

 

ALISA K (2014)     The 38 foot wooden fishing vessel Alisa K was destroyed on the rocks after dragging anchor and running aground at Lyman Anchorage in Clarence Strait October 15, 2014. The sole person aboard was rescued by USCG Station Ketchikan CGR45767.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 33 N 132 17 W   Chart 17420

Additional Information: Alaska Reg. No. AK4196E, Built 1965

Sources: 1. 17th Coast Guard District Enforcement Report (Oct-Nov 2014), 2. USCG Marine Information Exchange, 3. USCG MISLE Case # 710092

 

ALL HANDS (1994)     The 36 foot fishing vessel All Hands capsized and was lost February 13, 1994 off of Point Retreat, 14 miles west of Juneau.  The vessel had a one ton load of gray cod and was experiencing icing when a wind whipped swell hit her broadside and flipped the All Hands over.  Both crewmembers were rescued by another fishing vessel.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 24 45 N 134 57 15 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: ON AK4195K

Sources: 1. U S C G Shipwreck List (1989-2004), 2. Michael Burwell Shipwreck List (2013)

 

ALMARIE (1964)     The 12 ton 36 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Almarie stranded and was lost May 27, 1964 at Rosa Reef about two miles north of Ketchikan.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 24 45 N 131 48 05 W   Chart 17428

Additional Information: Tonnage 12 Gross 8 Net, Length 36.8, Breadth 10.6, Depth 5.1, Built 1928 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 140, SL WA2271, Owner Richard Sanchez, Registered Ketchikan, ON 227632.

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1964) Pg 33, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1002

 

ALOHA (1983)     The longline fishing vessel Aloha struck a rock and sank April 16, 1983 near Crawfish Inlet in the Necker Islands south of Sitka.  Three people on board were lost including owner and skipper Wilbur Olin (55) of Sitka, crewman Wallace McLaughlin (23) of Seattle and Charles J. Perlin (31) of Sitka. The three survivors were Stephen R. Freeman (28), David A. Coleman (25) and Edward B. Mertz (30) all from Sitka.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 45 N 135 12 W   Chart 17320

Sources: 1. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011), 2. Daily Sitka Sentinel (April 18, 1983) “3 Fishermen Killed After Boat Wrecks” Pg 1

 

ALT HEIDELBURG (1935)     On June 5, 1935 the 102 ton gasoline powered Alt Heidelburg caught fire and burned five miles west of Wrangell on Vank Island and became a total loss.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 56 28 N 132 36 W

Source: The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 441

ALTA (1921)     The halibut boat Alta stranded and was wrecked in a storm October 27, 1921 on False Island in Clarence Strait.  The halibut boat Mallard attempted to assist the Alta and was also wrecked.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   Unknown

Source: The Juneau Empire (November 2, 1921) Pg 6

 

ALTEN (1937)     About 12:00 noon on July 16, 1937 the wood oil screw halibut boat Alten collided with the U S Navy Cruiser Louisville in the Harbor at Ketchikan.  The wreck report filed by her master, David Hassel of Seattle, indicates the value of the vessel at $30,000 and the damage to the vessel at $30,000.  The Alten and her eleven crew were just leaving Ketchikan for sea fisheries on a clear calm day when the accident occurred.  According to Hassel “….stopped engine and turned Alten hard to port when Louisville approached, port to port.”  The crew was assisted by the Louisville and the Coast Guard boat Cyane and no one was lost.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 20 30 N 131 38 45 W

Additional Information: Tonnage 43 Net, Age 24 years, Registration Seward and Seattle, ON 211193, Owners David Hassel and Jacob Bassi of Seattle, Insurance none.

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report

AMERIC (1935)     At 10:00 a.m. on Friday October 25, 1935 the wood gas screw Americ exploded and became a total loss, while fueling at the Standard Oil Dock at Hoonah.  The vessel’s master, Pete Jorgensen of Petersburg, who filed the wreck report three days later at Petersburg, said the vessel blew up suddenly of unknown causes.  No one else was aboard the Americ at the time.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 06 30 N 135 26 30 W

Additional Information: Tonnage 23 Net, Age 25 years, Registration Petersburg, ON 210104, Owner Alaskan Glacier Seafood, Vessel value $3,000, Cargo none, Insurance none.

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report

AMERICA FIRST (1932)     At 10:00 a.m. on Sunday February 21, 1932 the oil screw America First caught fire and burned becoming a total loss, one half mile outside of Stockade Point, Stephens Passage.  The wreck report filed by her master and owner, John Haho of Douglas, lists the cause of the accident as “probably a faulty exhaust.”  The crew of three had left Taku Harbor that day bound for Juneau.  The weather at the time of the accident was reported as “heavy wind, moderate rough sea, and light snow.”  The following are quotes from the wreck report:

“Intense heat forced crew to take to small boat, landed at Stockade Point; vessel Moira from cannery at Taku Harbor attempted to put line on America First but unable to do so.  Moira took crew of America First to cannery, and vessel Pacific brought crew to Juneau.

“No chance to use fire extinguishers or save any of the vessel’s papers or equipment.”

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 03 30 N 134 01 45 W

Additional Information: Tonnage 36 Gross 28 Net, Built 1917, Registration Juneau, ON 215223, Vessel value $16,000, Cargo none, Insurance $9,000.

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report

ANCON (1889)     On Wednesday August 28, 1889, at 3:15 in the morning, the American wood steamer Ancon stranded on a projecting rock in Naha Bay and become a total loss.  She was just leaving the area with 119 passengers, 72 crewmen, a 500 ton cargo of salmon, bullion and general merchandise valued at $80,000.  A strong northeasterly wind, thick weather, rain, dark night and tide are said to have taken the vessel off course.  The following is an accounting from Lewis and Dryden Marine History of the Pacific Northwest:

“The pioneer steamship Ancon came to an untimely end in the harbor at Loring, Alaska, August 28th.  She was in charge of D. Wallace, captain; Robert Hackley, chief engineer; and H.H. Lloyd pilot, and was on the down trip.  When backing out from the wharf at three o’clock in the morning, she started to swing round on her stern line, which was made fast to prevent her from drifting on the reef.  An excited Chinaman on the dock cast off this line before the steamer brought up on it, and the strong tide set her over on the rocks before she could be controlled.  She drifted broadside on, punching a hole in her bottom, and as the tide receded, the great weight of her cargo broke her back, and she became a total loss.  The Ancon was an early day coal hulk at Panama and was brought to San Francisco in 1873 and rebuilt as a side wheel steamship.  She was two hundred and sixty-six feet long, forty nine feet beam, and seventeen and one half feet hold.  The Pacific Coastal Steamship Company, who owned her, valued her at one hundred thousand dollars.”

The wreck report of February 7, 1890, filed by Goodall Perkins Company, General Agent for Pacific Coast Steamship, valued the vessel at $60,000 at the time of the accident, and reported that $55,000 of the $80,000 cargo was saved.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 55 36 12 N 131 38 W

Additional Information: Tonnage 1208.05, Built 1873 at San Francisco, Registration San Francisco, ON 1522, Destination Tongass Narrows, Horsepower 400, Signal letters JSTF, Vessel insurance none, Cargo Insurance estimated at $60,000.

Sources: 1. U S Customs Wreck Report 2. Lewis and Dryden’s Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1961) Pg 371

ANDREA (1966)     The 9 ton 33 foot steel oil screw fishing vessel Andrea collided with an unknown object and was lost May 30, 1966 off of Point Marsden in Chatham Strait.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 03 30 N 134 48 25 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: Tonnage 9 Gross 6 Net, Length 33.6, Breadth 9.1, Depth 3.6, Built 1910 at Petersburg, Horsepower 55, SL WJ5177, Registered Juneau, ON 261267

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 40, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1163

 

ANDREA (1970)     The 27 foot gillnet fishing vessel Andrea disappeared with eight persons on board December 2, 1970 in Stephens Passage south of Juneau.  The Andrea radioed the Five Fingers Lighthouse that she was icing up, her compass was not working and she was having steering problems.  A few hours later she reported she was going onto a beach.  The Andrea was never heard from again.  Lost were Warren Beardon (35), his wife Opal Louise (37), their sons Walter Schmiedal (17), Douglas Schmiedal (12), Jeffrey Schmiedal (9), Rodney Schmiedal (8), and Richard Beardon 6 ½ months.  Also aboard was a family friend, Paul Kaiser (8).

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 17 30 N 133 40 15 W   Chart 17300

Sources: 1. Seattle Daily Times (December 11, 1970) “Search for 8 persons suspended” Pg 62, 2. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

ANDREW Z (1953)     The 12 ton 36 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Andrew Z burned November 4, 1953 at George Inlet near Ketchikan.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 20 N 131 30 W   Chart 17420

Additional Information: Tonnage 12 Gross 8 Net, Length 36.5, Breadth 12.4, Depth 4.5, Built 1908 at Tacoma WA, Crew 6, Horsepower 95, Owner J C Strand, Registered Ketchikan, ON 205925

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1952) Pg 24, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1955) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 737

 

ANGELA MARIE (1994)     The 49 foot crab fishing vessel Angela Marie flooded and was lost February 15, 1994 in Lisianski Inlet, seven miles north of Sitka.  All five crewmembers were forced to abandon the Angela Marie when she began taking on water in heavy weather.  They were rescued by a U S Coast Guard Helicopter.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 50 N 136 27 W   Chart 17320

Additional Information: ON 288345

Sources: 1. U S C G Shipwreck List (1989-2004), 2. Michael Burwell Shipwreck List (2013)

 

ANGELIA (1992)     The 55 foot salmon seiner Angelia lost a hatch cover, flooded and sank August 12, 1992 in Lisianski Strait.  All three crewmembers were rescued.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 50 N 136 27 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: ON 555178

Sources: 1. U S C G Shipwreck List (1989-2004), 2. Michael Burwell Shipwreck List (2013)

 

ANITA PHILLIPS (1923)     At 7:30 p.m. Thursday the 4th of January 1923, the wood gas boat Anita Phillips stranded at Port Snettisham, Stephens Passage, and sank in 35 fathoms of water.  She had departed Port Speel River on the 4th of January bound for Juneau with two passengers and two crew.  The cause of the stranding is reported to have been the engine breaking down on a lee shore during a rough dark night with 40 mile an hour winds.  Two anchors were cast but didn’t help.  The crew and passengers were picked up by the mail boat George Jr.  According to the wreck report filed by the owner and master, H G Bayers of Juneau, the vessel had no cargo and was valued at $6,500.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 06 45 N 133 41 W

Additional Information: Tonnage 21 Gross, Age 14 years, Registration Juneau, ON 205766, Insurance none.

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report

ANNA BARRON (1930)     At 12:30 a.m. on Tuesday July 22, 1930 the wood steam cannery tender Anna Barron was forced onto the rocks and stranded at Ansley Point in Icy Strait and became a total loss.

The vessel had departed Funter on July 20th bound for Point Adolphys and way points with a crew of seven, captained by George D Black of Seattle.  The following is an accounting of the accident from the wreck report filed by Black at Juneau on July 23rd:

“Attempting to reach dolphin situated in between two reefs off Port Ansley.  These reefs form sort of a cove or anchorage, and the owner of the boat has two dolphins situated therein at which it ties up its fish scows.  There were already two scows tied to one of the dolphins.  The Anna Barron had a half scow load of fish as she was making round of traps lifting fish.  She also had some of the lifting crew from the traps, and had to put them ashore onto one of the scows already tied up at the aforesaid dolphin, as those two men lived aboard that scow.  The Anna Barron also needed an anchorage for the night.  In going into the harborage in between the two reefs, which runs in a general southwesterly direction, the wind and tide carried vessel in past the dolphins and was unable to get rope ashore onto the scows that were already tied to the dolphin.  The anchorage is probably 200 feet wide and in endeavoring to turn around and keep off shore, the wind and tide forced vessel onto the rocks.  At time black darkness, with no light.”

The captain also mentions in the wreck report that the vessel was valued at $20,000 at the time of the accident, and though a total loss, she may be raised at some later time.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 12 30 N 135 07 10 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: Tonnage 82 Gross 56 Net, Age about 38 years, Registration Ketchikan, ON 107759, Owner Alaska Pacific Salmon of Seattle

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report

ANNA CATHERINE (1903)     At 2:00 in the afternoon Friday November 20, 1903 the wood sloop Anna Catherine drifted ashore in a storm, stranded, and became a total loss.  In the wreck report filed by her master and part owner, L H France of Ketchikan, the vessel was in route from Kasaan to Hollis with two crewmen and no cargo when the accident occurred.  An unsuccessful attempt was made to get to deep water, but the sloop stranded and was lost, one half mile south of Hollis in Tongass Narrows.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 29 N 132 40 W

Comments: The wreck report cover leaf has this vessel spelled Anna Catherina.  WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 8, Length 30, Breadth 13.6, Depth 3.3, Built 1881 in San Francisco, Registration Ketchikan, ON 105965, Owners L H France and J R Crumb of Ketchikan, Vessel value $50, Insurance none

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report

ANNA DA (1994)     The 27 foot salmon gillnetter Anna Da flooded and sank in heavy weather September 14, 1994 in Nichols Passage.  Both crewmembers were rescued by another fishing vessel.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 05 N 131 42 W   Chart 17420

Additional Information: ON 608535

Sources: 1. U S C G Shipwreck List (1989-2004), 2. Michael Burwell Shipwreck List (2013)

 

ANNA HELEN (1928)     At 10:00 in the morning of Monday October 22, 1928, about two miles out of the entrance of Funter Bay, at the junction of Icy Straits and Lynn Canal, the wood gas screw Anna Helen experienced a gasoline explosion caused by an engine backfire, caught fire, and became a total loss.  According to the wreck report filed at Juneau on October 23rd by her owner and master, W F Good of Seattle, the vessel had two crewmen and was carrying a cargo of 1000 pounds of dental equipment valued at $3,000.  She had left Hoonah that day bound for Haines.  The following are quotes from the report:

“SE wind of about 30 miles per hour, sea choppy.”

“Used contents of two fire extinguishers, (a Fyre-Fighter and Pyrene) and three dry powder extinguishers, without success.”

“Escaped in vessel’s dory.  In about 20 minutes picked up American gas screw Gloria (217955), A E Carr of Sitka, Alaska master.  U S Lighthouse Tender Cedar stood by as well as the Gloria, but no assistance could be rendered as vessel was too far gone.  Watched vessel until she sank.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 14 15 N 134 55 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: Tonnage 12 Gross 10 Net, Built 1925, Registration Seattle, ON 224544, Vessel value $20,000, Vessel insurance $17,000, Cargo insurance $2,500

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report

ANNA K (1995)     The 82 foot wooden fish tender Anna K burned to the waterline and sank July 27, 1995 in Dixon Entrance off of Kanagunut Island.  The vessel was bound for Prince Rupert when the disaster occurred.  All four crewmembers were transferred safely to another vessel.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   54 44 30 N 130 42 30 W   Chart 17420

Comment: News accounts have this vessel sinking August 10, 1995. WG

Additional Information: ON 972848, Built 1943

Sources: 1. U S C G Shipwreck List (1989-2004), 2. Michael Burwell Shipwreck List (2013), 3. Daily Sitka Sentinel (August 11, 1995) “Fishing Boat Burns, Sinks in Southeast” Pg 6

 

ANNE II (1966)     The 17 ton 41 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Anne II foundered March 2, 1966 at Snettisham.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 59 05 N 133 47 15 W   Chart 17300

Comment: Snettisham was established as a gold mining camp about 1895 and remained as a harbor village until 1926.  It was located one mile southwest of Sentinel Point in Port Snettisham.  WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 17 Gross 12 Net, Length 41.1, Breadth 11.3, Depth 5.8, Built 1927 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 141, SL WD6144, Registered Wrangell, ON 226424

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 45, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1163

 

ANNIE (1926)     At 2 in the morning on September 17, 1926, the American gas screw Annie collided with the gas screw Commonwealth, off Point Colpoys in Sumner Strait and became a total loss.  The Anne, valued at $3,000, with a crew of two aboard had taken on 8 tons ($32 worth) of ice and departed Ketchikan bound for Baranof Island.  The following is an accounting of the accident detailed in a casualty report filed by her master and part owner, Hans Danielson of Ketchikan:

“…while proceeding to Baranof Island from Ketchikan we were abreast of Point Colpoys in Sumner Strait, we discovered that the bearing to engine were running hot.  I called the deck hand, Ben Lundin to take the wheel while I examined the engines bearing.  Found same hot and stopped the engine allowing the vessel to drift.  While in this position we were struck of the starboard side by the Gas. S Commonwealth which sunk the “Annine” in three minutes.  I was thrown into the water and later picked up by the “Commonwealth” and Ben Lunden jumped to the deck of the “Commonwealth” as she struck.  All of our lights were burning at the time of the collision and mast head light was burning when the vessel sunk.”

The weather at the time of the casualty was reported to be a calm dark night with no wind and heavy dark shadows.  The master and crew of the Commonwealth “rendered all possible assistance rescuing the master and other members of the crew.”

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 20 N 133 12 W

Comment: Hans Danielson refers to the Annie as the “Annine” in the Casualty Report

Additional Information: Construction wood, Tonnage 11 Net, Built 1909, Registration Ketchikan, ON 206576

Source: U S Customs Report of Casualty filed September 17, 1926 at Collection District 31, Port of Ketchikan

ANNIE K (1954)     The 14 ton 35 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Annie K burned February 11, 1954 at the mouth of Pat Creek near Wrangell.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 20 30 N 132 20 20 W   Chart 17360

Additional Information: Tonnage 14 Gross 9 Net, Length 35.4, Breadth 11.8, Depth 3.8, Built 1912 at Wrangell, Horsepower 110, Owner Cherie Johnson, Registered Wrangell, ON 231231

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1952) Pg 29, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1955) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 737

 

ANNIE M NIXON (1912)     On May 15, 1912 the gas schooner Annie M Nixon wrecked and became a total loss at Dixon Entrance.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   54 30 N 133 W   Chart 16016

Source: The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 211

APACHE (1994)     The 85 foot crab fishing schooner Apache sank after striking a boat sized iceberg November 18, 1994 one and a half miles off of Bay Point in Farragut Bay, 25 miles north of Petersburg.  All four persons aboard made it to safety.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 06 30 N 133 19 W   Chart 17360

Additional Information: ON 216085, Built 1918

Sources: 1. U S C G Shipwreck List (1989-2004), 2. Michael Burwell Shipwreck List (2013)

 

APEX NO 8 (1923)     On May 20, 1923 the 32 ton scow Apex No 8 broke away from her moorings in Stone Rock Bay, Prince of Wales Island, and wrecked during a storm.  She had been tied to the pile dolphin with ¾ inch cables but the southeast gale still broke her loose causing the vessel, valued at $1,350 to founder and become a total loss.  According to the casualty report filed at Ketchikan July 11th by S J Beard, agent for the owners, Apex Fish Company of Anacortes, Washington, some of the $850 worth of fish trap gear on deck was salvaged but the vessel was a total loss.  No crew were aboard at the time of the casualty.  Master of the Apex No. 8, James Shelton of Ketchikan is reported to have departed from Ketchikan on May 15th bound for Cape Chacon on Prince of Wales Island.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   54 45 30 N 132 W

Additional Information: Age 10 years, Registration Port Townsend Washington, ON 163205.

Source: U S Customs Casualty Report

APEX NO 18 (1940)     The 32 ton 60 foot wooden scow Apex No 18 was destroyed by fire September 22, 1940 in Seal Cove, Dall Island.  The one person aboard made it to safety.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 11 N 131 43 W   Charts 17420, 17428

Comment: Probably not the larger Dall Island.  WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 32 Gross and Net, Length 60.3, Breadth 16, Depth 4.1, Built 1917 at Anacortes WA, Owner Alaska Trollers Cooperative Marketing Association, Registered Ketchikan, ON 166917

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1941) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 512, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1939) Pg 329

ARAB (1945)     The 8 ton 43 foot wooden gas screw Arab was consumed by fire July 25, 1945 at Petersburg.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 48 10 N 132 58 W   Chart 17360

Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Gross 6 Net, Length 43.4, Breadth 10.4, Depth 3, Built 1911 at Everett WA, Former Name oil screw Birmingham, Service tow, Crew 2, Horsepower 140, Owner Son Products Company, Registered Seattle, ON 208385

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1946) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 804, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1945) Pg 112 “Motor Vessels” & Pg 533 “Former Names of Merchant Vessels”

ARCTIC SUN (2002)     The 100 foot fish tender Arctic Sun struck a rock and sank July 26, 2002 in Clarence Strait 20 miles south of Thorne Bay near Ratz Harbor in 180 fathoms of water.  All three crewmembers escaped to a 16 foot skiff.   They were picked up by the vessel Norwegian Sky and transported to Ketchikan.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 53 15 N 132 35 45 W   Chart 17420

Additional Information: ON 273720, Call Sign WYS4837

Sources: 1. USCG News Release (July 26, 2002), 2. USCG MISLE Case # 91649

 

ARGO NO 2 (1898)     On June 21, 1898 the scow Argo No. 2 broke away from the Argo No. 1 off Dixon Entrance, foundered, and broke apart.  She was valued at $4,500 at the time, including her cargo of cattle.  Both vessel and cargo were lost.  The vessels were bound for Dutch Harbor in the Aleutians.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 54 30 N 133 W

Source: The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 41

ARGOS (1969)     The tug Argos foundered and sank in 35 fathoms of water after striking a submerged object August 17, 1969 northwest of Found Island off of the southwest corner of Wrangell Island.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 06 15 N 132 04 30 W   Chart 17360

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

ARGUS (1956)     The 22 ton 44 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Argus burned August 19, 1956 at Ketchikan.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 20 30 N 131 38 20 W   Chart 17420

Additional Information: Tonnage 22 Gross 15 Net, Length 44, Breadth 13.3, Depth 5.2, Built 1913 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 140, SL WC8300, Owner Libby McNeill & Libby, Registered Seattle, ON 211413

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1956) Pg 38, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1957) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 755

 

ARGUS (1959)     The 30 ton 41 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Argus stranded and was lost December 13, 1959 on Tilson Island approximately four miles west of Sitka.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 03 N 135 20 W   Chart 17320

Additional Information: Tonnage 30 Gross 23 Net, Length 41.6 Breadth 13.8, Depth 7.5, Built 1951 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 165, SL WD9957, Owner Merle Enloe, Registered Sitka, ON 262318

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1960) Pg 41, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1961) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 860

 

ARK (1947)     The hand built gas boat Ark (Ark of Juneau) blew ashore and went to pieces sometime after 1946 at Amalga Harbor.  The vessel had been used to transport The Satko family to Juneau in 1940.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 29 30 N 134 47 20 W   Chart 17360

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

ARR 738 (1948)     The 2,297 ton steel barge Arr 738 stranded and was lost in the vicinity of Taylor Island November 8, 1948

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 18 N 136 30 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: Tonnage 2,297 Gross and Net, Built 1944, ON 256120

Source: Merchant Vessels of the U S (1949) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 909

ARROW (1933)     The 20 ton 40 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Arrow burned at Craig November 19, 1933.  The five crewmen aboard made it to safety.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 28 30 N 133 09 W   Chart 17400

Additional Information: Tonnage 20 Gross 14 Net, Length 40.1, Breadth 12.5, Depth 4.8, Horsepower 20, Built 1913 at Seattle WA, Owner Alaska Pacific Salmon Corporation, Registered Ketchikan, ON 210950

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1934) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1006, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1933) Pgs 222-3

ARROW (1950)     The 38 ton 58 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Arrow was consumed by fire off of the east coast of Mary Island February 24, 1950.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 05 N 131 12 W   Chart 17420

Comment: I have charted this wreck at the most likely “Mary Island”.  WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 38 Gross 33 Net, Length 58.8, Breadth 14.4, Depth 6.8, Built 1923 at Houghton WA, Horsepower 140, SL WA2556, Owner Walter H Graves, Registered Ketchikan, ON 222922

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1950) Pg 34, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1951) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 937

 

ASHLEY KAY (1991)     The 32 foot crab fishing vessel Ashley Kay cut the point too close, struck a rock and sank February 10, 1991 in Frederick Sound.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 50 N 134 25 W   Chart 17360

Additional Information: ON CG031694, Built 1961

Sources: 1. U S C G Shipwreck List (1989-2004), 2. Michael Burwell Shipwreck List (2013)

 

ATLANTIC (1937)     At 9:00 p.m. Tuesday August 10, 1937 the purse seiner Atlantic stranded at Little Pybus Bay, NW Spruce Island, Frederick Sound and was lost.  All aboard survived but the vessel was a total loss except for the engine which was salvaged.  The Atlantic had departed Chatham August 8th with five crew bound for the fishing grounds, and by the time of the casualty had approximately four tons of fresh fish aboard valued at $190.  Charles Smith of Sitka, master of the Atlantic, filed the wreck report at Chatham on the 18th detailing the incident as follows:

“….dusk, 60 mile gale, misty weather….anchors set but unable to hold….vessel stranded in heavy weather and was lost….some equipment salvaged.”

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 12 45 N 134 05 05 W

Additional Information: Tonnage 14, Power gas screw, Construction Wood, Age built 1910, Registered Seattle, ON 207376, Owner New England Fish Co Seattle, Value $2,500.

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report

ATLANTIC (1968)     The gas screw Atlantic burned September 5, 1968 at Cape Spencer.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 12 45 N 136 39 30 W   Chart 16016

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

ATLANTIS (1898)   April 22, 1898 the steam powered schooner Atlantis was lost at Yellow Rock Light six and a half miles south of Duke Island near Dixon Entrance.  The crew and passengers, bound for Skagway and the Klondike, were all saved.  The Atlantis and her 120 ton cargo were reported a total loss. 

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   54 47 30 N 131 13 45 W   Chart 17420

Source: Shipwrecks of the Alaskan Shelf and Shore (1992)

ATTU (1968)     The gas screw Attu burned on the beach January 1, 1968 at Skagway.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   59 27 30 N 135 18 45 W   Chart 17300

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

ATTU ISLAND (1953)     The 328 foot LST type barge Attu Island rolled over and sank bottom side up on January 1, 1953, one half mile south of Ketchikan’s Bar Harbor under the red hazard buoy.  The tug Hercules had damaged the Attu Island on a reef off of Pennock Island earlier and was towing her north.  The barge was filled with a 5,000 ton cargo of cement.  There was an unsuccessful attempt to raise the barge in the 1970’s.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 21 N 131 40 30 W   Chart 17430

Comment: Probably buoy “WR6” off of Bar Point Basin, Ketchikan.  WG

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

AUDREY (1931)     Wednesday, May 13, 1931 at 3:00 p.m. the gas screw Audrey caught fire in Sukkwan Strait and became a total loss.  The crew of three survived but the vessel, valued at $6,000 was lost.  The Audrey had departed Craig earlier in the day on a trip to Hydaburg.  Master of the vessel, K A Anderson of Craig, filed a wreck report May 29th with the following description of the casualty:

“Myself and crew were all in the pilothouse when we suddenly smelled smoke, we rushed out on deck and found that the whole engine room was afire, we went over the side in our row boat and stood by until she drifted ashore on the north end of Sukkwan Island.”

Anderson also reported that the seas were calm at the time and he tried to put out the flames with a Pyrene extinguisher.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 10 N 132 46 W   Chart 17400

Additional Information: Construction wood, Tonnage 22 Gross 17 Net, Built 1914, Registration Juneau, ON 212154, Owner Hannah Cogo of Craig, Cargo none.

Source: U S Customs Report of Casualty

AURORA (1929)     It was 7:00 in the evening on Tuesday August 27, 1929 when a backfire from the engine caused a fire aboard the gas screw fishing vessel Aurora.  Peter Sing of Sitka, master of the vessel, managed to escape with the crew but the 1,800 pounds of salmon, valued at $1,100 and the Aurora, valued at $1,500 were lost.  The loss occurred near Sanitarium (now Goddard), 16 miles from Sitka. When the owner of the Aurora, Fred Schray of Sitka, filed the casualty report at Sitka on August 28th he stated that there was no insurance on the vessel but the cargo of salmon was fully insured.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 50 05 N 135 22 20 W

Additional Information: Construction wood, Tonnage 10 Gross 7 Net, Age 16 years, Registration Sitka, ON 211008, Last Port Sitka August 26th, Destination fishing banks.

Source: U S Customs Report of Casualty

AURORA (1947)     The 19 ton 43 foot wooden gas screw Aurora foundered November 6, 1947 in Lisianski Inlet.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 07 30 N 136 27 30 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: Tonnage 19 Gross 13 Net, Length 43.1, Breadth 11.2, Depth 4.9, Built 1939 at North Bend OR, Service misc., Horsepower 140, Owner K Raatikalnin, Registered Juneau, ON 239531

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1947) Pg 38, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1948) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 860

AVIS (1947)     The 8 ton 31 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Avis foundered in Cross Sound July 18, 1947.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 08 N 136 35 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Gross 6 Net, Length 31, Breadth 8.6, Depth 3.8, Built 1927 at Juneau, Horsepower 12, Owner Gilbert Mills, Registered Juneau, ON 235991

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1947) Pg 39, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1948) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 860

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